The story behind the OOTS Header

A reader recently sent us this comment.

Hi I was wanting to know where the header / theme picture for the main blog home page is from? The sunset looks as if it from a movie? Does anyone know? It looks like they're riding on a boat or a ferry and one boys hand is in his friends lap I'd like to see this movie!

Anon


 Thank you Anon, for the questions and coincidentally.....  I had recently considered writing something about that special photo. Indeed it is my own original composition. There is a short story I'd like to share with you and our readers.

One summer evening I was with my partner MG, in his home town which is a beach-side community. We were enjoying the nice evening as dusk was settling along the shore. After a full-on warm day, the plaza and park was alive with families and many joyful voices. Although it was just an ordinary summer evening, it seemed like a holiday. The place was full of vibrant activity. Tourists and locals alike were snacking on pretzels, hot dogs and sweet treats. We had ordered ice cream cones in the Tastee Feeeze shop, and were sat in a spot just near the park playground enjoying the sights and sounds along with our sweet indulgence.

 Being near the shoreline the scene was dotted by palm trees, overlooking an expansive beach view. There were over-sized pieces such as a marker buoy, and a giant Ship's anchor as oceanic decoration. It was there when we first spied a pair of shadow figures which now appeared before us as playful young boys climbing around on the decorative pieces, and running from each other all about the play ground, in some presumed game of tag. We could hear their voices challenging and taunting the never-ending chase. We detected the slight warble of boys beaky voices when their tone changes pitch emerging from a puerile boy, into the glorious teen years. All of these awkward indicators of early puberty, I am sure are worry-some for a boy, but to us.... well it was all very amusing.

We decided to take a stroll down the jetty joined by a growing crowd of people, all lured to the inevitable sunset planting a lull over the calm tides.This coincided with the rowdy pair who barrelled past us then ambled ahead at about 5 paces. I expect the boys were likely reaching exhaustion from their scampering games. The lot of us arrived at the end of the jetty, we could now hear their conversation was low but completely random. They both sat down on the platform, arms on the guardrail, with their feet dangling tall above the water. One tinkered with his phone, then he snapped a photo to commit a memory for themselves to share later. Soon they settled in for a few moments of bliss as the sun slowly gave way to nightfall.  Their images darkened in the calm of a glowing cherished friendship.

My partner and I whispered our own deductions of what daring escapades the night might bring for these two handsome pals. The only actual result you see is just what we experienced that evening. Although the epoch in time was unplanned, it held a durable memory for us both. The light sea-spray, a couple of buddies and a setting sun makes for incredible memories. We have no idea what mischief those two managed to find together, but their closeness spoke volumes of their kinship and trust.

Eric & MG